[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Page 122]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Address to the Nation on the Iraqi Elections

January 30, 2005

    Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is 
hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.
    In great numbers and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their 
commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi 
people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the 
terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. 
And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the 
foundation of self-government.
    Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. 
We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their 
lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, 
peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.
    The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding 
success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens 
volunteered as pollworkers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force 
personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against 
terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in 
a terror attack last year and went to the polls today despite threats of 
violence. He said, ``I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want 
terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am 
voting for peace.''
    Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of 
their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and 
peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The 
European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the 
election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with 
our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their 
sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the 
United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
    The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic 
election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new 
constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi 
Government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war 
against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight 
against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this 
rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own 
security.
    There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis 
are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American 
people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic 
achievement.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 1 p.m. from the Cross Hall at the White 
House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of this address.